Keep a ledger for a few months to see what your expenses are at present. Do some research into how much rent, utilities, &c. will cost you. Use that info to formulate a budget and stick to that budget like your life depends on it. If you have extra money in the budget at the end of the month, leave it in your emergency fund.
Of course, all the thrift and budgeting in the world makes no difference if you have no income. Get one of your friends or family members or whoever to put in a good word for you where they work.
Roommates make living away from your folks a whole lot affordable; just make sure they'll cough up the money when the rent's due.
Hang around people who aren't losers; it'll make not being a loser much easier.